Michelle Payne

To say that the paintings are nature studies is not to detract from their educational capacity or intent. Marianne did not view her paintings purely aesthetically pleasing objects : their purpose was educational. In a broad sense, the collection educated gallery visitors about the lands which Marianne visited, at a time when only a privileged few could travel.

Like many Victorian girls, Marianne and Catherine embarked on their family trips with sketchbook in hand. Sketching and painting in watercolour were one of the pastimes considered suitable for genteel young ladies and Recollections provides plenty of evidence of these hobbies.